Surviving the Holidays

It starts early enough, usually after Halloween but each year it seems to be sooner and sooner. The ads for holiday shopping, the jewelry store commercials, the music and the images of happy family gatherings that none of us can ever seem to live up to.

For some of us the holidays are a wonderful time to share with family and friends and yet for some of us it’s all about just making it to January 2nd without falling apart too badly.

If you fall into the latter category, don’t feel bad, you are not alone.

During the holidays people are bombarded with images of happy family gatherings, smiling friends and loving couples among other images. For people who have suffered a loss, a recent break up (even a not to recent break up) or who suffer from depression and other mental disorders, the holidays can be a very painful time.

The belief that more suicides take place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a myth however, there is a significant increase in suicides following the holiday season. It is as if the holidays provide a protective effect from suicide – people who would take their life don’t want to do it over the holidays causing their family even more grief.

Here are some tips to get through the holidays without too much stress:

Try to Avoid Family Conflict – Not always easy, especially if alcohol is involved. Prepare a neutral response to trigger questions such as “Let’s plan to talk about this topic at a later date where we can do so in private.”

Don’t Go Over Budget – Figure out what you can comfortably spend on your friends, family and loved ones and stick to the budget. Opt for home made gifts and simple cards. Don’t worry about giving expensive gifts and don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.

Don’t Overindulge – While the holidays are a great excuse to go off the diet or drink a little too much you’ll probably feel worse about yourself if you do – both physically and mentally. Eat and drink in moderation.

Get Plenty of Rest – Not an easy task with end of year obligations at work and all the holiday festivities you’re expected to attend but do your best to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Learn to Grieve – If you’ve recently lost a loved one or experienced a break up take some time to grieve and understand that the holidays can open a wound you’d thought had healed.

Get Help – If you need help don’t be afraid to ask for it. If people are putting too much pressure on you to entertain, buy gifts or what have you tell them your limit has been reached. Ask them to pitch in and lend a hand.

Volunteer – Sounds crazy to add one more activity to your busy holiday schedule but the benefit of giving of yourself to those less fortunate can be a great mood lifter. Not only will you be helping those in need but you will be getting a welcome distraction from your own pressures.

If you need a little help getting through the holidays you can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. Call (312) 218-7380 to schedule an appointment.